Is Shumbalala Game Lodge really a five-star hotel?

Yes. Its own classification data carries five stars; that rating, not a style label, is what puts a property in this collection.

Shumbalala Game Lodge

★★★★★ Thornybush Main Gate, Guernsey Road, Thornybush Game Reserve, ZA

10 guest rating· 14 reviews

The five stars

Shumbalala Game Lodge holds a five-star rating in its official classification, the requirement for every property in the Hotels of Earth collection.

The service side of those stars shows in its listing: Room service, Sun terrace and Concierge service.

About this hotel

Luxurious Accommodation

Experience the epitome of luxury at Shumbalala Game Lodge with elegantly decorated suites featuring private viewing decks, cosy seating areas, and fireplaces.

Fine Dining Experience

Indulge in a culinary journey at our restaurant offering scrumptious dishes prepared by our talented chefs. Enjoy intimate dinners in our elegant dining room or the uniquely designed cellar with views of the water hole.

Thrilling Safari Adventures

Embark on an unforgettable African safari experience at Shumbalala Game Lodge, where you can encounter a variety of wildlife including lions, leopards, impalas, cheetahs, and birds of prey.

Book now for an unparalleled luxury safari experience at Shumbalala Game Lodge!

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Rooms & rates

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Presidential Suite

Sleeps 4 · 224 m² · 2× Twin bed, Extra-large double bed (Super-king size)

Desk
Air conditioning
Bathrobe
Private bathroom
Kitchenette

The private pool and fireplace are the special features of this double room. Guests will find a refrigerator and a tea and coffee maker in the kitchenette. The double room also provides guests with a barbecue. The spacious double room provides air conditioning, a private entrance, a terrace with pool views as well as a private bathroom featuring a walk-in shower. The unit offers 3 beds.

Superior Suite

Sleeps 2 · 75 m² · Extra-large double bed (Super-king size)

Desk
Air conditioning
Bathrobe
Private bathroom
Coffee/tea maker

The elegant suites boast African décor and feature air conditioning, a mosquito net draped over the bed and a mini-bar. The private bathrooms come fitted with an indoor and outdoor shower, and complimentary bathroom amenities.

Amenities

Free WiFi
Free Parking
Breakfast takeaway containers
Restaurant
Air conditioning
Sun loungers or beach chairs
24-hour front desk
Room service
24-hour security
Non-smoking rooms
Non-smoking throughout
Airport shuttle (additional charge)
Access to health care professionals
Babysitting/child services

Show all 65 amenities

BBQ facilities
Board games/puzzles
Cashless payment available
CCTV in common areas
Cleaning standards that are effective against Coronavirus
Concierge service
Contactless check-in/check-out
Daily housekeeping
Delivered food - securely covered
Designated smoking area
Face masks for guests available
Facilities for disabled guests
Fax/photocopying
Fire extinguishers
First aid kit available
Food delivered to guest room
Fruits
Game drives
Garden
Guest rooms disinfected between stays
Guests can opt-out any cleaning services during stay
Hand sanitizer in guest room and key areas
Heating
Horse riding
Ironing service
Key access
Kid meals
Laundry
Laundry washed per local authority guidelines
Outdoor fireplace
Outdoor furniture
Physical distancing in dining areas
Physical distancing rules followed
Private check-in/check-out
Process in place to check health of guests
Safety deposit box
Sanitized tableware & silverware
Shared kitchen
Shared lounge/TV area
Shared stationery like menus, pens are removed
Shuttle service (additional charge)
Smoke alarms
Special diet menus - on request
Staff adhere to local safety protocols
Sun terrace
Thermometers for guests provided by property
Toilet with grab rails
Tour/class on local culture
Walking tours
Wheelchair accessible
Wine/champagne

Location

Thornybush Main Gate, Guernsey Road, Thornybush Game Reserve, ZA

Check-in: from 02:00 PM to 03:00 PM
Check-out: until 12:00 PM

What guests say1014 reviews

+ Wood burning fireplace+ Exceptional service

Cleanliness10.0

Service10.0

Location10.0

Room Quality10.0

Amenities10.0

Value for Money10.0

Guest review
10.0
I guess what stood out the most for us was the wood burning fireplace in our room. Very nice as in early August it can get quite cold there. And of course, everything about Shumbalala was absolutely top shelf. Special kudos to Emilo, our driver. He got us into tho EVERYTHING. Good job all.
Mark · MX · 2025-08-28

Especial e memorável. Vamos sentir saudades
10.0
Tudo excepcional, do café, ao quarto e cama, equipe especial. Realmente um lugar unico.
− Gostei de tudo !
LA · BR · 2025-08-25

Amazing experience, highly recommended!
10.0
Classic safari lodge decor suitable for anyone looking for an exceptional and memorable safari. Very experienced and knowledgable guide, great food and comfortable ambience with a view of the watering hole from almost everywhere. Thornybush has a high concentration of animals and only a few lodges, plus it allows off-roading, so you’re almost guaranteed to have up-close animal sightings. Chalets have everything you need plus a plunge pool, private deck, fireplace, and super comfortable beds.
− The chalets are a bit dark.
Sydney · DE · 2024-12-31

The best vacations we could imagine
10.0
The shumbalala location is amazing!!! Inside the thornbush reserve with a water hole just in front. the team is just gorgeous, Andri is very sweet, Danielle is super proactive, iordi and Fumani they are the best! They just met all expectations and succed.
Juliana · BR · 2024-07-18

Highly recommend for visiting.
10.0
The lodge is beautiful, the views are amazing. Shumbalala Family made the stay unforgettable. Everything is well thought and organized, friendly and sincere. All is needed from guests is to relax and enjoy, which we truly did. Ryan was our ranger and together with the tracker arranged awesome game drives and so much information about animals, birds and flora around. Loved every moment of our stay.
Elena · RU · 2024-06-05

Heavenly again!
10.0
Everything
− Nothing
Edwin · NL · 2024-04-06

Hotels of Earth · questions

Is Shumbalala Game Lodge really a five-star hotel?: Yes. Its own classification data carries five stars; that rating, not a style label, is what puts a property in this collection.

Good to know

Please inform of your expected arrival time in advance. You can use the Special Requests box when booking, or contact the property directly using the contact details in your confirmation.

Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.

Payment before arrival by bank transfer is required. The property will contact you after you book to provide instructions.

A deposit may be required at the property.

›Internet

WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

›Pets

Pets are not allowed.

›Parking

Free private parking is possible on site (reservation is needed).

›Children and extra bed policy

Children ages 10 and older are allowed.

Children from 10 years old to 11 years old stay for ZAR 14,985 per person per night when using an existing bed.

You haven't added any cots.

You haven't added any extra beds.

Supplements are not calculated automatically in the total costs and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.

Shumbalala Game Lodge♡